Prep Rally

Brad and Brendan are back, and they've got plenty to talk about what with the baseball and softball playoffs going on.Class 7A baseball continues to be a gauntlet, with more than a third of the first-round games decided by one run (1:23). In 1A, Tupelo Christian took down Biggersville in three games (3:27). And looking ahead to the quarterfinals, the East Union-Hamilton softball series will feature some elite pitching (4:25).The Miss Softball and Mr. Baseball awards were announced earlier in the week, with six area players being honored (6:27).And we've got some big coaching news: Robert Green has stepped down as Tupelo boys basketball coach (7:29).

Brad and Brendan are here with a brand new episode as the baseball and softball playoffs get going.Tupelo opens the Class 7A baseball playoffs against Starkville (1:16), which won't be an easy out. In 1A, Tupelo Christian looks to be a contender with players like Jax Coker and Jack Decker (3:33). And in softball, Amory and Ripley will tangle in 4A this week (4:52).The tennis championships were held earlier this week, with both Pontotoc and New Albany taking home titles (5:58). In football news, Thrasher is hitting the pause button on its football program (6:35).

Brad and James are back after a brief hiatus, and there's plenty to discuss.On area diamonds, we're in the final stretch of the regular season, with region titles and playoff seedings on the line. In softball, West Union clobbered Potts Camp on Tuesday to claim the Region 2-1A title (1:29), and James believes the Eagles are "poised" to make a big run in the playoffs. Lafayette, meanwhile, has work to do if it wants to claim the 1-5A crown after a mistake-filled loss to Caledonia (3:23). On the baseball front, Region 1-7A is crowded at the top, and Tupelo is looking to pull out a good playoff seed (4:50).In coaching news, Ryan Finch has stepped down as Saltillo's head football coach (6:19).The Daily Journal released its annual All-Area basketball honors last weekend (7:22). In other hoops news, Tishomingo County's girls finished No. 4 in the MaxPreps Small Town Top 25 rankings (8:04).

Brad is joined by Brendan for this week's episode, and they've got some updates from the diamond.Tupelo softball, which has Katherine Gillon back in the fold, took down county rival Mooreville last week (1:35). West Union softball, a Class 1A team, took down Lafayette, which reached the 5A finals last year (2:50). And Mooreville's baseball team rolled past Tishomingo County (4:09).Also today, Tishomingo County's Meg Moore was named the Mississippi Gatorade Girls Basketball Player of the Year (6:15).Be sure to vote for Athletes of the Week (7:46) by visiting us on Twitter, @djournalsports.

Brad and James are back after a week in Jackson, where seven area teams won basketball state championships.Ingomar's girls won a fourth straight title behind the play of Daylen Grisham (2:04). Calhoun City's boys, meanwhile, gave 26th-year head coach Daren Coffey his first gold ball (3:51). East Union's girls won it all for the first time (5:30), while Booneville's girls won for the fourth time in five years (6:24). Tishomingo County's girls took their second crown in three years (8:21), and Starkville swept the 7A titles (9:40).Be sure to vote for Athletes of the Week (11:18) by visiting us on Twitter, @djournalsports.

Yes, it's a Monday, which is now the day Prep Rally will drop each week. Hurray!Brad and Brendan have plenty to recap from a busy weekend. Three area teams won soccer state championships on Saturday: Tupelo's girls broke a 20-year drought (2:54), Saltillo's girls won their fourth in a row (5:14), and New Albany's boys claimed their first title (5:40).The basketball playoffs are ongoing. Tupelo's girls and boys both won their first-round games (6:52). The quarterfinal round begins later this week for all classes, and there are some mighty attractive matchups (9:36). Also, several area players won Mr. and Miss Basketball awards (12:11).In some big coaching news, Brett Morgan is the new head football coach at Starkville, and he was replaced by longtime assistant Roger Burton (13:11).Be sure to vote for Athletes of the Week (14:09) by visiting our Twitter page, @djournalsports.

It's crossover season, which means Brad and James have a diverse set of topics to discuss.The soccer playoffs are in full swing. Tupelo's girls won their first-round matchup against Germantown thanks to the O'Rear sisters (1:42). In boys action, Parker Pounders led Booneville past a tough Pisgah team (3:13).Baseball season, believe it or not, has begun. Tupelo opened the 2026 campaign on Tuesday with a 5-1 win against Corinth (4:50).And on the basketball court, it's region tournament time. New Site and Walnut will meet up in the Region 1-2A title game on Friday (6:42). And then next week, the playoffs get started (8:35).Be sure to vote for Athletes of the Week (9:18) by visiting our Twitter page, @djournalsports.

Basketball has finally returned after several days off due to Winter Storm Fern. Brad and Brendan are here to discuss a couple of key games.Ingomar's girls won the Region 3-1A regular-season title with a blowout win over Okolona on Monday (1:40). On Tuesday, Houston's girls beat Itawamba AHS to claim the 2-4A top seed (2:53). The season was supposed to end this week, but due to the number of games being postponed, teams will be allowed to play through Tuesday of next week (4:21) – and then they'll jump into region tournament play.On the football front, Tupelo has released its 2026 schedule (5:43).Be sure to vote for Athletes of the Week (7:26) by visiting our Twitter page, @djournalsports.

Brad is joined by James on this week's episode, with plenty of hoops to talk about.New Albany's boys clinched the Region 1-4A top seed with a win over Corinth (1:33), while Wheeler's girls got some revenge against Thrasher (3:13). And Ingomar's boys picked up a last-second win against Tupelo Christian (4:56).With inclement weather headed our way, several games scheduled for this weekend have been rescheduled or canceled, including the Hotbed Classic (6:09). Also, seven area players were selected to the Mississippi/Alabama All-Star Basketball Games (6:51).Be sure to vote for Athletes of the Week (7:34) by visiting our Twitter page, @djournalsports.

Brad and James have some important basketball updates for you this week.Tupelo's girls remained unbeaten in region play with a dominant win over Horn Lake (1:25). New Site's boys, meanwhile, pulled off a pair of upsets to claim the Prentiss County Tournament title (3:23). And Peyton Wray has been very productive for Ingomar's girls (5:22).On the soccer front, Tupelo Christian clinched a region title by beating Booneville (6:40).Be sure to vote for Athletes of the Week (7:53) by visiting our Twitter page, @djournalsports.

Brad and Brendan are. back for a new episode after a holiday break.It's all basketball today. Ripley's boys played well but came up just short against region foe Rosa Fort (1:17). In girls hoops, Daylen Grisham led Ingomar to a decisive victory over Tremont (3:27). Also, there's a new No. 1 girls team, as Tishomingo County continues to dominate all comers (6:09).Be sure to vote for Athletes of the Week (7:23) by visiting our Twitter page, @djournalsports.

They're a day late, but Brad and James have a new episode for you.We're in the meat of the basketball schedule, and the games are getting more important. On Tuesday, the Itawamba AHS girls opened Region 2-4A play with a win against Mooreville (1:05). In Region 1-1A, Wheeler's girls rallied past Biggersville for a statement win on Tuesday (2:26). And back on Saturday, West Union's boys kept their hot start going (4:00).The Daily Journal All-Area football honors drop Saturday (5:29). Be sure to vote for Athletes of the Week (6:03) by visiting us on Twitter, @djournalsports.

Brad and Brendan have a lot of football and hoops to discuss.The football state championships were held last week in Starkville. Tupelo's repeat bid in Class 7A was foiled by a Hail Mary (1:18), while West Point was denied a third straight title by Brookhaven (6:48). However, Calhoun City won the 1A title (8:05), while East Webster took the 2A crown (9:39).On the hardwood, Booneville's girls opened region play with a win over Belmont (11:29), while Biggersville knocked off Thrasher in a rematch of last year's 1A title game (12:57).Be sure to vote for Athletes of the Week (14:39) by visiting us on Twitter @djournalsports.

Brad and Brendan are here with lots of football to talk about.The North half finals were held last Friday. Tupelo managed to rally past Oxford despite losing QB Braylen Williams to injury (2:54), while Calhoun City rolled past Biggersville (4:55). The state championships begin Thursday in Starkville. Calhoun City faces Simmons in 1A (6:04), while West Point goes for yet another 5A title against Brookhaven (7:39). On Saturday, East Webster faces reigning 2A champ Heidelberg (9:25), and Tupelo goes for a second straight 7A crown versus Gulfport (10:26).Also, the guys recap West Union's basketball win over New Albany (1:35). Be sure to vote for Athletes of the Week (13:09) by visiting us on Twitter, @djournalsports.

Brad is feeling better and back for a big episode, as the football playoffs enter the North half round.Brad and Brendan first recap some of last week's action, including Tupelo's nail-biting win over Germantown (6:55) and Biggersville's comeback against Okolona (9:07). Biggersville must now deal with a juggernaut Calhoun City team in the 1A North final (9:54). East Webster hosts Kemper County in 2A (12:26), while West Point takes on Holmes County Central in 5A (13:28). And Tupelo gets a rematch with Oxford in 7A (15:00), with both teams featuring different quarterbacks from the first meeting.The guys talk some hoops, too. Ashton Beene has been a scoring machine for Wheeler's boys (1:52), and this weekend's Lighthouse Classic will feature Tishomingo County's girls and their star, Meg Moore (3:22).Be sure to vote for Athletes of the Week (18:02) by visiting our Twitter page, @djournalsports.

Brad and James have a lot to cover in this week's episode.Basketball season began last week, and Tishomingo County's girls picked up an impressive win against MRA (1:25). South Pontotoc's girls, meanwhile, went on the road and beat Shannon (2:45).The football playoffs have arrived, with several big games in the first round last week. New Albany rallied past Shannon in Class 4A (3:35), and Houston also won in 4A with an upset of North Pontotoc (5:13). In 7A, Tupelo closed out its regular season by clinching a region title (6:05). Next up for the Golden Wave is a first-round game against a Starkville team that could be dangerous (6:58). Elsewhere, Aberdeen visits Booneville in 3A (8:51), while Itawamba AHS will host Kosciusko in 4A (10:06).Also, three area players were selected Mr. Football last week (11:33).

Brad is joined by James for this week's football-heavy episode.The playoffs begin this week for Classes 1A through 4A. One huge matchup is in 4A, where New Albany will visit Shannon (4:16). In regular-season action, Pontotoc hosts Lafayette in a key Region 1-5A showdown (6:05).Looking back at Week 10, Corinth topped New Albany to claim the Region 1-4A title (1:41), and Hamilton held off Hatley in a wild one (3:14).Be sure to vote for Athletes of the Week (7:18) by visiting our Twitter page, @djournalsports.

The football season is winding down, which means teams are fighting tooth and nail for playoff positioning.On this episode, Brad and James look at some of those key matchups. In Region 4-3A, Aberdeen can earn a No. 1 seed with an upset of powerful Noxbuee County (5:30). The Region 1-4A title will come down to the New Albany-Corinth game (6:57). And in 1-2A, the winner of Hatley and Hamilton will get a No. 2 seed (8:51).Looking back at Week 9, the guys recap Tupelo's win over Horn Lake (1:46) as well as Itawamba's victory against Shannon to claim the 2-4A crown (4:16).Be sure to vote for Athletes of the Week (10:27) by visiting our Twitter page, @djournalsports.

Brad and James cover a lot of ground on this week's episode.The volleyball season wrapped up last week with the state championships, and three area teams brought home a gold ball (1:35).On the football field, Week 8 saw the return of QB Braylen Williams for Tupelo, and he led the Golden Wave to a win over Hernando (5:26). Corinth's Pat Crump had a huge Friday night, rushing for 401 yards and eight touchdowns (7:29).Looking ahead to Week 9, the Region 2-4A title is on the line when Shannon visits Itawamba AHS (9:34). Hamilton and Baldwyn meet in a critical 1-2A showdown (12:15), and Tupelo returns home to face Horn Lake (14:52).Be sure to vote for Athletes of the Week (17:02) by visiting our Twitter page, @djournalsports.

Brad and Brendan have a lot to talk about today.The MHSAA volleyball championships are Thursday and Friday, with five area teams vying for titles (1:18). On the football field, the guys look back at Corinth's dominant win over North Pontotoc (3:59) and Tupelo's beatdown of Southaven (5:24).Speaking of Tupelo, good news for the Golden Wave: Quarterback Braylen Williams rejoins the team this week as it prepares for a trip to Hernando (6:44). Another key game is Baldwyn at Hatley in a Region 1-2A tilt (9:22), and Calhoun City is rolling into its 3-1A opener against Okolona (10:20).Be sure to vote for Athletes of the Week (11:50) by visiting our Twitter page, @djournalsports.

Brad is joined by James for a jam-packed episode.They start off with a recap of the volleyball playoffs. In Class 4A, Ripley fought off a tough Tishomingo County team (1:47), while New Albany swept Senatobia in another 4A match (4:17). The quarterfinals are up next on Thursday (5:19). Also, four area players were named Miss Volleyball earlier this week (7:36).On the football front, some big news: Oxford and Lafayette will no longer face each other, in any sport, following the end of the 2025-26 school year, and the Bruce-Calhoun City rivalry is also dead (8:24). On the field, North Pontotoc earned a huge region win last week against New Albany (13:00), while Biggersville served notice that it's back for form with a dominant victory against Baldwyn (14:24).Week 7 features several critical region games, including North Pontotoc at Corinth (16:21), Choctaw County at Aberdeen (17:25) and Southaven at Tupelo (18:31).Be sure to vote for Athletes of the Week (19:14) by visiting our Twitter page, @djournalsports.

Brad and Brendan are back for an episode full of goodness.On the gridiron, last week saw West Point pull out a big win at Tupelo (1:40), which should only further confirm the Green Wave's status as a state title contender in Class 5A. Tupelo Christian also had an impressive win, blowing out Falkner (5:35).Looking ahead to Week 6, New Albany visits unbeaten North Pontotoc to open Region 1-4A action (9:52). Also, Biggersville travels to undefeated Baldwyn (11:47), while 5-0 Bruce opens 2-2A play against Water Valley (13:12).In other news, nine area players were selected to play in the annual Mississippi/Alabama All-Star Football Game (14:22).Also today, the guys look at area teams that might make a state championship run in volleyball (1:40). First-round playoff games are Saturday and Tuesday.Don't forget to vote for Athletes of the Week (15:14) by voting in our Twitter poll, @djournalsports.

Brad and Brendan have a jam-packed episode for you this week.The guys take a look back at a couple of notable Week 4 football games, including Tupelo's tough win at Oxford (7:14). Itawamba AHS also had a hard-fought victory, edging Saltillo (9:19). Looking ahead to this week, Saltillo will try to bounce back when it visits Shannon (10:29). Tupelo Christian hosts Falkner in a Class 1A showdown (12:10). And Tupelo faces another strong opponent when West Point comes to town in a battle of the area's top two Large Schools (12:41).The guys also talk some volleyball. Tupelo has been on a roll of late (1:55), and Kossuth clinched a region title on Tuesday (4:45).Be sure to vote for Athletes of the Week (16:51) by visiting us on Twitter, @djournalsports.

They're a day late, but Brad and Brendan are here to talk quite a bit of football.Looking back at last week, Tupelo ran roughshod over Houston (Tenn.) to remain unbeaten (3:16). Hatley also had a big game on the ground in a blowout win over Mantachie (5:43).Several fun matchups are on tap for Week 4, the biggest being Tupelo at Oxford, which is also undefeated (6:52). The Chargers' high-flying offense will face its stiffest test so far against Tupelo's lockdown defense. Elsewhere, Itawamba AHS visits Saltillo in what could be a shootout (8:48), while Corinth meets Pontotoc in a clash of two strong rushing attacks (10:13).Also on this episode, you'll not be shocked to learn that Ingomar is still really good at volleyball (1:46).

Brad is joined by James for this week's episode.They look back at a couple of Week 2 football games, including Shannon's tough loss to perennial title contender Louisville (1:28). Saltillo, which has been explosive on offense, took down Lafayette (3:28).Looking ahead, Tupelo plays its home opener Friday against Houston, a Tennessee school (4:39). The annual Crosstown Classic between Oxford and Lafayette is on the Week 3 schedule (5:34), and New Albany visits Itawamba AHS in what could be a shootout (6:36).Also on this episode, Tupelo's Andrew Brown dominated in his first cross country race of the season (7:46).

Week 1 of high school football is in the books, and Brad is joined by Brendan to break things down.Tupelo traveled to Brandon and ended up with a blowout win thanks to tailback Kylan Bobo and the defense (6:18). Pontotoc also won going away, knocking off Amory behind the running of Markavion Jones (10:00).Looking ahead to Week 2, Tupelo hits the road again to take on Christ Presbyterian in Nashville (11:50). Shannon will host Class 4A power Louisville (14:18), and the West Point-Starkville rivalry is renewed (15:58).Also on this episode, some volleyball: Tupelo picked up a much-needed win against Regents (2:26), and Oxford was impressive in a sweep of Germantown (4:30).Be sure to vote for Athletes of the Week (17:24) by voting in our Twitter poll (@djournalsports).

Finally, it's game week. The 2025 high school football season kicks off this week, and so Brad is joined by James to preview some of the big matchups.Tupelo is traveling to Brandon for a rematch of last year's Class 7A title game (3:57). The big question: What's the status of Tupelo QB Braylen Williams? Saltillo, meanwhile, travels to New Albany (6:41), while Amory visits Pontotoc (9:04).The guys also talk Mooreville volleyball (2:01). Be sure to visit us on Twitter, @djournalsports, and vote for Athletes of the Week (10:26).Oh, and big news: Prep Rally has a new sponsor in Vanelli's Bistro. It's located at 206 West Main Street in Tupelo.

Brad and Brendan have all kinds of good volleyball and football updates for you this week.On the court, East Union flexed its muscle with a dominant win against rival West Union (2:16), while South Pontotoc took care of the Tupelo Titans (3:35).As for football, the guys have an update on Smithville installing the Air Raid offense (4:41), as well as Amory trying to reload at key positions (6:00). Also, there are several football jamborees this weekend (7:58), and Brad's position rankings wrapped up last week with the area's top five quarterbacks (9:08).

Brad is joined by Brendan this week, and there's plenty of football to talk about.Tupelo, the reigning Class 7A state champion, returns a load of talent, including defensive back Iverson McCoy (1:46). The Ole Miss commit leads a secondary that is breaking in some new starters. Over in New Albany, QB Braden Shettles is entering his fourth year as a starter (4:47), bringing invaluable production and experience to the table. The guys also take a quick look at Brad's position ranking series (7:04).On the volleyball court, Walnut continued its hot start with a 3-2 win over Tupelo Christian on Tuesday (7:58). And on the baseball front, the Pontotoc Red Sox had a good run in the American Legion Mid-South Regional (10:16).

The football season is nearly upon us!Preseason camps start Monday for area teams (4:14), and Brendan joins Brad this week to discuss Tupelo's quest to win a second straight Class 7A state championship (4:56). The offense looks to again be prolific, as J.J. Hill returns to the backfield and is joined by quarterback Braylen Williams.In other football talk, Brad discusses his position rankings (9:56).Also in this episode: Pontotoc won the American Legion State Tournament (1:05), and volleyball season begins this weekend (2:30).

After a hiatus of several weeks, Brad Locke is back for a new episode and is joined by James Murphy.There have been some notable coaching moves this summer, including at Oxford, where Karen Yelverton has been hired as head volleyball coach (1:47). And Saltillo has hired Krista Donald to lead the girls basketball program (3:02).On the baseball diamond, Tupelo is among the teams opening play in the Senior American Legion State Tournament on Friday in Clinton (4:08).The 2025 volleyball season starts next week, and the guys have updates on a couple of teams. Ingomar, which has won three straight state titles, is learning about life after Macie Phifer (5:32). Tupelo, meanwhile, is entering Year 2 of the Laura Booth era (7:25).Also today, Brad pimps his weekly football position rankings, which run each Friday (8:30).

Brad and James are back after a brief hiatus and have plenty to catch up on in this week's episode.Summer basketball is in full swing, and Brad has an update on the Saltillo boys (1:43), who return nearly everyone from last season. And James talks about Ripley's boys (4:13), who are entering the second year of the Fred Stafford era.The MHSAA football championships are returning to Starkville, and it will mark the first time Mississippi State has hosted since 2016 (5:45). On the football recruiting front, some area players recently committed to Division I programs (7:15), including Tupelo's JaReylan McCoy.There have been some big coaching moves, including at Tishomingo County, which girls basketball coach Brian Middleton left for the head coaching job at Northeast Mississippi CC (9:08). His replacement is veteran John Strickland, an Iuka native. And East Union baseball has promoted Zane Treadaway to head baseball coach after Jamie Russell stepped down (10:38).

Brad is joined by James this week, and the guys put a bow on the softball and baseball seasons.Two area teams won softball titles (1:34) – East Union its third straight, and Itawamba AHS its first ever. In baseball, four area squads brought home a championship. Saltillo staged two late rallies to claim the 6A crown (2:18); Lafayette won in 5A (4:56); West Union captured its first title in 1A (5:41); and East Union picked up another 2A title (6:24).The guys also check in on the coaching carousel. The big news this week was Brian Middleton leaving Tishomingo County to be head women's basketball coach at Northeast CC (7:05). On the football front, Okolona promoted assistant Colbry Lathan to head coach (9:04). And in softball, longtime South Pontotoc coach Adam Patterson has resigned (9:58).

Brad is joined by James for this week's episode.The baseball and softball playoffs have seen a lot of drama. Tupelo's baseball team pulled off another seventh-inning rally and earned a sweep of Clinton in the Class 7A quarterfinals (1:25). The Itawamba AHS softball team got a monkey off its back by beating West Lauderdale in three games in the 4A quarterfinals (2:42). Looking ahead at the semifinal round (4:21), Union County – known more for its collective basketball prowess – has six total teams still alive.Also, Corinth's boys won a state title in track, as did the Tupelo Christian boys and girls (6:10).The guys take a moment to remember Joel Gafford, the Ripley baseball coach who died unexpectedly on Sunday at the age of 40 (6:38).Be sure to vote for Athletes of the Week (9:22) by visiting us on Twitter, @djournalsports.

Brad has a short and sweet solo episode for you today, and it's all about the playoffs.On the baseball front, Tupelo rallied late to stun Lewisburg in Game 3 of their Class 7A playoff series (:53). In 1A, Tupelo Christian rolled past Pine Grove (2:31), and Myrtle also advanced (3:43) – it's the Hawks' first trip to the quarterfinals in 15 years. Speaking of the quarters, Brad looks at some of the more intriguing matchups for this weekend (4:17).Be sure to vote for Athletes of the Week (5:32) by visiting us on Twitter, @djournalsports.

Today marks the 400th episode of Prep Rally!Brad and Brendan break down the baseball and softball playoffs for you. South Pontotoc advanced in the Class 4A softball playoffs by knocking off Houston on Tuesday (1:22), while Kossuth bested Nettleton in their 3A baseball series (3:02). There are several notable matchups this weekend, including Tupelo vs. Lewisburg in 7A baseball (3:51).The Mr. Baseball and Miss Softball awards were announced this week, and several local athletes were honored (9:35). And in coaching news, Cameron Glenn has been hired to lead Saltillo's boys soccer program (10:34).Be sure to vote for Athletes of the Week (11:13) by visiting our Twitter page, @djournalsports.

Brad and Brendan have a jam-packed episode this week.On the baseball diamond, Myrtle put on an offensive clinic in a blowout win over Ingomar on Tuesday (1:08). Tupelo, meanwhile, is fighting with Madison Central for a region title (2:56).The tennis playoffs are ongoing, with Tupelo advancing past Oxford in the quarterfinal round (5:06). The Golden Wave are hoping for a rematch with Madison Central in the state finals next week.In coaching news, Baldwyn promoted longtime assistant Neal Allen to head coach (7:19). He replaces Michael Gray, who retired after 16 seasons.The guys also go over the All-Area basketball selections (9:01). Be sure to vote for Athletes of the Week (12:15) by visiting our Twitter page, @djournalsports.

Brad is back (finally) for a brand new episode and is joined by James.On the softball diamond, Kossuth picked up a big region win against Booneville on Tuesday (1:28), as Chloe Clement had a big game both pitching and hitting. In baseball action, Wilson Rodriguez tossed a gem as Saltillo blanked Center Hill (4:14).On the coaching front, Vardaman has hired Rod Cook to lead the football team (6:27). He was previously head coach at South Pontotoc. Also today, the guys go over All-Area soccer honors (7:57).Be sure to visit us on Twitter, @djournalsports, to vote for Athletes of the Week (9:10).

Brad flies solo on this week's episode. He's back from Jackson and a bit tired, to be honest.But he has a recap of the basketball state championships, where six area teams won a gold ball. Tupelo's girls beat Starkville for the 7A crown (1:20); Booneville's boys and girls both won again in 3A (2:45); Pontotoc's girls won in 5A (3:59); Ingomar's girls three-peated (4:50); and Biggersville's girls topped rival Thrasher in 1A (6:34).There's a bit of coaching news to cover as well. Former Amory and Tupelo football coach Trent Hammond is the new man in charge at Tupelo Christian (7:41), while Chris Walters has taken over at Houston (8:39). On the basketball front, Jim Tally is the head coach for East Union's boys (8:59).Be sure to vote for Athletes of the Week (9:35) by visiting our Twitter page, @djournalsports.

Brad is flying solo this week and has a short but info-packed episode for you.Mooreville has a new football coach in Jacob Massey (1:26), who spent the previous three seasons at Long Beach. On Monday, three area soccer teams – Lafayette's boys and girls, and Saltillo's girls – won state titles (3:13). Speaking of playoffs, it's quarterfinal week in basketball (6:15), with several area teams looking to advance to Jackson.The Mr. and Miss Basketball awards were announced this week, with four area players being honored (7:42).Be sure to vote for Athletes of the Week (8:52) by visiting us on Twitter, @djournalsports.

Brad and James are here to update y'all on a whole lot of stuff.The football coaching carousel is spinning fast. Veteran John Carr has been hired at Starkville (1:39), Baylor Dampeer has gone from Houston to Pontotoc (4:09), and Brandon Cutrer is the new man at South Pontotoc (5:45).It's playoff time, too. Six area teams will vie for state soccer titles this weekend (7:17). The basketball playoffs began this week, and Tupelo Christian's boys picked up a big win against Okolona (8:28), while West Union's boys held off Wheeler (9:34).Be sure to vote for Athletes of the Week (11:16) by visiting our Twitter page, @djournalsports.

Brad is joined by Brendan again this week, and they've got updates on the basketball and soccer postseasons.The playoffs have begun for soccer, with the Itawamba AHS girls knocking off North Pontotoc in a Class 4A second-round game (1:50). On the hardwood, Brookleyn Roberts led Thrasher past Wheeler in the Region 1-1A Tournament (4:13). In 2-7A, Tupelo and Starkville will meet yet again for the girls' title (6:05).A couple of big hires have been made in the past week: Jay Hopson is the new AD at Starkville (8:34), and Rico McDonald is the new head football coach at Ripley (9:40).Be sure to vote for Athletes of the Week (10:21) by voting in our Twitter poll (@djournalsports).

Brad and Brendan have a strong episode for you this week.On the soccer front, North Pontotoc's Anne Crotwell set a state record when she notched her 72nd goal(!) of the season (2:02).The basketball regular season is winding down, and Brad has a report on a top-10 girls matchup between Pontotoc and Booneville (4:05). Brendan updates us on the Germantown-Tupelo boys game (6:42). Also, Brad has a strong opinion on Itawamba AHS star Tim Holliday being left out of the Mississippi/Alabama All-Star Game (8:49).Be sure to visit us on Twitter, @djournalsports, and vote for Athletes of the Week (11:35).

Brad is joined by James this week for a jam-packed episode.There is some notable football news this week. Tupelo running back J.J. Hill was named to an All-American team (1:29) following his stellar junior season. Michael Gray, who coached Baldwyn to the Class 1A title this past fall, has announced his retirement (2:50).On the hardwood, 10 area players were selected to play in the Mississippi/Alabama All-Star Basketball Games (3:52). One of those players selected is Jade Rucker, who returned from an injury on Saturday to lead No. 1 Tupelo past No. 2 Tishomingo County (5:19). Also that day, Booneville's boys rolled past Baldwyn to capture the Prentiss County Tournament title (7:08). Brad also has a report on Biggersville's region-clinching win over Thrasher on Tuesday (8:33).Be sure to visit us on Twitter, @djournalsports, and vote for Athletes of the Week (10:58).

Brad is joined by Brendan on this week's episode.They've got some football coaching news. After eight years at Mooreville, Jimmy Young has been hired to lead Smithville (1:45). And Falkner has hired a familiar face in Ben Ashley (3:00), who was head coach there several years ago.On the hardwood, Tupelo's boys picked up a big region win against Starkville on Tuesday (4:01). Looking ahead, the No. 1-ranked Tupelo girls will square off against No. 2 Tishomingo County in a huge showdown Saturday (6:20).Be sure to visit us on Twitter, @djournalsports, and vote for Athletes of the Week.

The holidays are over, and Prep Rally is back for the first show of 2025.Brad and James take a look at the Baldwyn boys basketball team, which beat Tupelo Christian on Monday (2:10) and just got some good news about star Dy'Lan Johnson. The Itawamba AHS boys, led by Tim Holliday, took down region foe Ripley on Tuesday (4:18). Elsewhere on the hardwood, Friday's forecast of wintry weather has forced several games to be moved or canceled (5:45).In football recruiting news, Tupelo's JaReylan McCoy has committed to LSU (7:00). The football coaching carousel has begun to spin (8:08), with Pontotoc's Jeff Carter among those moving on to other things.Be sure to visit us on Twitter, @djournalsports, and vote for Athletes of the Week (11:06).

Brad and James are in the holiday spirit for the final episode of 2024.It's all basketball talk this week. Tupelo's boys have clearly improved since last season and are coming off a Lee County Tournament title and a region-opening win over Madison Central (1:32). Tupelo Christian's boys are off to a solid start as well under a new head coach (3:14). And Ripley's boys went on the road and beat Shannon in a region game (4:36).Be sure to visit our Twitter page, @djournalsports, to vote for Athletes of the Week (7:25).

Brad and Brendan are fresh off the football state championships, which were held in Hattiesburg last weekend. All. three area teams that played brought home a title.In Class 1A, Baldwyn rallied past Simmons to win its first title in 16 years (4:05). In 5A, West Point won yet again (6:16), topping Gautier for championship No. 13 in program history. And in 7A, Tupelo ended a 32-year title drought by knocking off Brandon (7:47).The guys also talk some hoops this week. Saltillo's boys came up just short against Lake Cormorant on Tuesday (1:37). Looking ahead, the Lee County Tournament and the Tangle on the Trail highlight the weekend schedule (2:37).Be sure to visit our Twitter page, @djournalsports, and vote for Athletes of the Week (14:28).

It's championship week for high school football!Three area teams are playing for a title in Hattiesburg, and Brad breaks down the matchups with the help of James. In 7A, Tupelo looks to win its second state title when it takes on a high-powered Brandon team (7:12). In 1A, Baldwyn faces a daunting task in the form of Simmons (9:32). And in 5A, West Point – naturally – is looking to win yet another crown when it battles Gautier (12:16).There's plenty else to talk about this week. In other football news, Braylen Williams made his long-awaited season debut for Tupelo last week (4:48), and several area players signed with FBS schools on Wednesday (5:45).The guys also talk some hoops, with Tupelo's girls blowing past Booneville on Tuesday (1:33).Be sure to vote for Athletes of the Week (14:18) by visiting our Twitter page, @djournalsports.

Brad and Brendan have quite a few tasty morsels on this episode to whet your Thanksgiving appetite.Speaking of, there are a lot of Thanksgiving basketball tournaments this week. Led by Chris Willis, Hamilton's boys took down Tupelo Christian on Tuesday (2:17), while Kedrick Simmons led Booneville's boys past Oxford on Monday (3:07). Coming up this weekend is the prestigious Lighthouse Classic in Corinth (4:48), with several big-time players and teams participating.On the football front, the guys look back at Tupelo's win over Starkville (6:27) and Shannon's heartbreaking loss to West Lauderdale (8:23). The playoffs resume this Friday with the North half finals, where four area teams will try to keep their seasons alive (9:23).Be sure to vote for Athletes of the Week (16:36) by visiting us on Twitter, @djournalsports.